Death Valley: Star-gazing party at national park starts Jan. 28

The Andromeda Galaxy can sometimes be seen in the night sky above Death Valley… (Tony and Daphne Hallas /…)

The stars will be gathering for a big party later this month, but revelers will need to travel nearly 300 miles from Hollywood to take part.

The Las Vegas Astronomical Society and park rangers are hosting the 10th annual Star Party at Death Valley National Park in California, a site about as far as possible from disruptive city lights. The event will be held Friday, Jan. 28, and Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Furnace Creek airport.

Observation will begin around 5:30 each evening. A “What’s Up Tonight” laser presentation will be held both nights at 8 p.m. Among the expected highlights -- weather permitting – will be the planet Jupiter, the Great Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy, said Rob Lambert, president of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society.

Telescopes will be provided. It is not recommended that participants bring their own telescopes, Lambert said, because the necessary tutoring could reduce the viewing time. You can register for the event on the society's website.

Contact: Las Vegas Astronomical Society. (Click on "Upcoming Event Info" on the left side of the homepage.) For information on lodging in and near Death Valley, check the park's website.